Reservations Required This Year to Park Near Yosemite ‘Firefall’

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS/AP) — Adventurers and shutterbugs hoping to catch a glimpse of Yosemite National Park’s annual “firefall” will need reservations.

Yosemite has instituted a new reservation system this year to end traffic jams and pedestrian safety problems when spectators flock to Horsetail Fall on the east side of El Capitan to see the fiery orange glow at sunset.

The annual February event is known to attract over 1,000 sightseers a year.

Those hoping to see the evanescent spectacle must apply for a free, day parking permit, which grants access to parking on Northside Drive between the Yosemite Valley Lodge and El Capitan Crossover.

Registration opened Saturday, with a limit of one vehicle permit per person each day. At least 50 permits will be issued for each day between Feb. 12 and Feb. 26.